Liner for frame members



Dec. 22, 1959 KUNKEL 2,917,788

LINER FOR FRAME MEMBERS Filed Sept. 6, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I I n I F 35 1 /5 34 q JP I mull II f 2 w \1 .24 I

Dec. 22, 1959 A. 'r. KUNKEL LINER FOR FRAME MEMBERS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 6, 1956 FIG. 6

INVENTOR. ALOYSIUS T KUNKEL ATTO E Y LINER FOR FRAME MEMBERS Aloysius T. Kunkel, Akron, Ghio; Abert A. Kunkel, administrator of the estate of said Aloysius T. Kunkel, deceased Application September 6, 1956, Serial No. 608,289

6 Claims. (Cl. 20-41) This invention relates to the art of frame construction and in particular has reference to improvements in liners capable of use in window frames.

In the known prior art of window construction, it has long been known that window frames can be provided with one or more guide tracks within which can be slidingly received a plurality of relatively movable sash members.

While windows including a sash and frame portion have traditionally been made of wood or steel, there have been recently introduced certain improved types of sash members that are made of plastic material and have hollow stiles and rails. It has been found that these sash members of this hollow plastfc material have a far greater resistance to the effects of the elements than does the traditional wood frame and/or sash member, for example.

Representative of such improvements is United States Patent 2,742,690, issued April 24, 1956 to Aloysius T. Kunkel, wherein there is disclosed a method of constructing a hollow sash of plastfc material, another embodiment of such sash members is set forth in pending application No. 579,971, filed April 23, 1956, by Aloysius T. Kunkel.

To the present date, these plastic sash members have been found satisfactory in every respect, with conventional warpage, shrinkage, and swelling that normally occurs due to change in season being minimal in this type sash. However, as a practical matter, the adoption of such plastic sash members has been hindered by the fact that the same have their effectiveness restricted by the material with which same are operatively associated. Thus, in the case where a plastic sash member is used to replace a wooden sash, it has been found that some difficulty will be encountered due to the fact that the wood frame member remaining will swell and warp to thus indirectly affect the operation of the plastic sash member with respect thereto.

It has also been found that for the sake of uniformity of appearance, the sash and frame member, together with all incidental trim, should be uniform to thus add to the aesthetic appearance presented interiorally of the house. It has been found in this regard that alteration of the existing frame, or eventual replacement of the same, operates to increase the price to the point where the same is not practical during a remodeling program; thus, unless this equipment is sold as original equipment, the prospects of remodeling to incorporate plastic sash are relatively remote in view of the high cost of altering the frame and trim. It has been found that if a liner of plastic material is employed between the existing frame and the plastic sash that an existing wooden window construction can be readily adapted to receive therein a plastic sash member of the type abovedescribed.

It has been further discovered that if an interlocking trim is provided for attachment with said liner that the entire window assembly will create the impression of uniformity with the result that the same will be adaptable ates Patent ice to use in remodeling programs because of the aesthetic result produced.

It accordingly becomes a principal object of this invention to provide a replacement liner for window frames that is characterized by its ability to releasably receive a trim portion designed to overlap the edge of the existing frame.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following brief specificaton considered and interpreted in the light of the accompanying drawings.

Of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away in section and illustrating the improved liner attached to an existing frame member so as to receive a slidable window therein.

Figure 2 is a section taken on the lines 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken through the improved liner.

Figure 4 is a similar sectional view taken through the improved trim strip.

Figure 5 is a prospective view of a modified liner member and trim strip employed in connection with double-hung windows.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a modified type of trim strip.

Figure 7 is a prospective view of the liner in its unformed state.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1 thereof, the improved liner, generally designated by the numeral 10, is shown interposed between a sash S and the frame F so as to permit the sash S to be moved relatively of the exising frame F as will presently be descr.bed.

To this end, it will be assumed that the frame F is of wood material and includes the usual vertical sides 11, 11, as well as top and bottom sides 12, 12. In this regard, it is to be understood that the material of the frame F is not critical to invention and it accordingly sufiices to say that any shape or size of frame can be adapted to receive plastic sash therein by the use of the improved liner 10 of this invention.

Accordingly, as is best shown in Figures 2 through 5, inclusive, the improved liner 10 is of two-piece construction so as to include a main body portion 20, shown best in Figure 3 and an interlocking trim strip that is generally indicated by the numeral 40 and is shown best in F.gure 4 of the drawings.

Referring now to Figure 3, the main body portion 20, of elongate configuration, has a cross-sectional configuration that includes planar surfaces 21 and 22 that are substantially co-planar in their relationship with each other so as to facilitate abutment against the frame F with ribs 23, 23 being optionally provided for the purpose of spacing a wall section 24 with respect to the frame F.

For the sake of clarity of description, the main body section 20, 20 is defined as including a sash receiving section 25, the wall section 24, and an interlocking portion designated generally by the numeral 26.

The sashengaging section 25 accordingly includes spaced flanges 27, 28 that extend towards each other and have undercut edges 27:: and 280; the arrangement being such that these flanges 27 and 28, together with wall section 25a, define a channel in which may be received an elongate window stripping unit generally designated by the numeral 29. This window stripping unit 29, as best shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, may be of known type wherein an arched strip 29a has its edge portion shiftable with respect to a retaining strip 2% so as to permit movement between the full and chain-dotted line positions of Figure 2, and thus effectuate sealing condition between the strip 29 and the sash S.

If desired in this regard, auxiliary sealing protection may be afforded by providing projecting ribs 30 and 31 that are disposed in spaced relationship with each other adjacent one edge of the main body portion 20, with the rib 30 having a bulbous tip 32 that facilitates retention therein of a flexible sealing strip 33 (see Figure 2). This sealing strip 33 has a feathered edge 34 that is normally presented in the full-line position of Figure 2, but which may be distorted to the chain-dotted line position thereof upon engagement with the sash S as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings.

To the end of providing an auxiliary track for the sash S, there is shown provided medially of the main portion 20 a raised rib 35 that, together with the rib 31, defines a track within which the sash S may slide. In this regard, it is to be understood that the rib 35 will preferably extend about half-way of the elongate length with movement of the sash S from one track to the other track being accomplished in the manner set forth in co-pending application Serial No. 600,992, filed July 30, 1956 by Aloysius T. Kunkel, now Patent No. 2,889,590, issued June 9, 1959.

Turning next to a consideration of the interlocking portion 26, it will be seen that the same is of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, and includes a projecting lip 36 that partially overlies the body section defined by the planar surface 22. This lip 36 may, as shown in Figure 3, have a slightly inclined undersurface 37 for the purpose of etfectuating a more eflicient interlocking with the trim unit 40, as will presently be described.

Considering next the detailed construction of the trim strip 40, it will first be understood that the same is of equivalent elongate configuration with a typical crosssectional view being illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 of the drawings. Accordingly, an enlarged end portion 41 is shown of proper configuration for reception with respect to interlocking portion 26 with projecting lip 42 thereof being designed to be received between the projecting lip 36 and the planar surface 22 of the interlocking portion 26. Extending from the portion 41 is a thin wall section 42a that defines at its projecting end a right angle wall section 43 that is designed to have its planar face 44 abut against the interior face F of the frame member F. In this regard, this face 44 is shown provided with an undercut 45 that receives therein, as shown in Figure 1, an L-shaped bracket indicated generally by the numeral 50. In this regard, it is preferred, although not mandatory, that these brackets 50, 50 be employed only in the corner regions of the frame with four such brackets being normally utilized with each said frame to assure proper squaring of the liner thereon. A round projection 46 is defined by the outer planar surface 47 of the wall section 43 for decorative purposes with the free edge of the section 43 being rounded as at 48 for flush reception against plaster P (see Figure 1).

In use or operation of the improved liner 10, it will first be assumed that the sash has been removed from the existing frame F and that all projecting stops, etc., have also been removed so that the frame F presents a flat surface of the type designated by the numeral F in Figure 1 of the drawings. At this time, appropriate stock sections of the main body section 20 may be trimmed to appropriate length, followed by mitering at their corners so as to insure a square fit. After such trimming operation, one main body section 20 may be applied against the face F: of the frame F with screws 51, 51 being shown for such purpose although other securing means could be employed. At this time, the planar surfaces 21, 22 are in co-planar abutment with the frame F while the ribs 23, 23 space the wall section 24 with respect to the frame F. It is to be noted in this regard that the window stripping unit 29 will have been placed within the appropriate groove provided in the sash-receiving section 25, and accordingly, the sash members may now be positioned within the track designed by the projecting ribs 31 and 35 with insertion thereof being accomplished in the manner set forth above in referred to copending application Serial No. 600,992.

With the sash member S positioned as just described, the trim strips 49, 40 may be positioned by first inserting one leg of the bracket 50, 50 within the undercut 45 provided on trim strip 40, and at this time, the lip 42 may be urged around the lip 36 so as to cause interlocking of the trim strip 40 with respect to the main body portion 20. At this time, the remaining liner units 10, 10 may be positioned with respect to the frame F as just described, followed by interlocking of the respective trim strips 40, 40 therewith, with the individual brackets 50, 50 being positioned during such interlocking.

At this time, it will be seen that there is provided a sash member that is freely received within the appropriate track of the liner 10 and further, that the trim strips 40 have been firmly positioned with respect to the frame P so as to overlie the same in abutment with the plaster P that is provided on the interior of the room.

Operation of the window in normal manner will follow.

The modified form of the invention shown in Figure 5 of the invention is similar in many respects to that previously discussed and described in connection with Figures 1 through 4 of the drawings.

Accordingly, the liner 10 in this modified form of the invention envisions a flat body 60 defined at its edge portion by an enlarged rib 61 and an interlocking portion 62 respectively with lip 61a serving to overlap the exterior side of the frame so as to retain the same. A medial rib 63, having grooves 64 and 65, is removably secured, as by screws 63a, 63a to body portion 60, between the ribs 61 and 62 for the purpose of serving as a parting strip between sash members S and S A series of ribs 66, 66 space the body section 60 with respect to the frame F in this modified form of the invention which is designed for use as a double-hung window, an undercut portion 67, having a projecting lip 68, defines the interlocking portion of this modified form of the invention, with screws 69, 69 being provided for facilitating attachment of the body portion 60 with respect to the window frame.

As indicated, the trim strip 40 is of identical configuration to that previously described in connection with Figures 1 through 4 of the drawings and, accordingly, no further description of the same is included at this point, with like numerals designating like parts.

The modified form of the invention shown in Figure 6 of the drawings envisions a flat liner 70 having a removable medial rib 71 that serves as a parting strip while a perpendicular flange 72 is provided on the interior side of this liner for co-planar abutment with the plaster P.

The trim strip 73 of this modification is shown received around the end 72a of flange 72 with lip 74 being provided for this purpose. Likewise, a planar face 75 is provided for engagement with the sash S, with angularly disposed leg 76 contacting the liner 10 in binding engagement therewith therewith so as to prevent movement to the right of the trim strip 73. In this regard, glue or other securing medium can be provided between the leg 76 and the liner 70 to provide auxiliary support against shifting.

In Figure 7, it is shown how the various liner members can be prepared for installation after extrusion, for example. Thus, by cutting a slot in the strip, as at 80, the same can easily be bent to the chain-dotted position of Figure 7. An end cut at 45, as at 81, facilitates attachment with another component.

It will be seen from the foregoing that there has been provided a new and novel type of liner insert for use in connection with the existing window frame members Of an older house. It has been shown how the use of these liners permit the existing sash to be replaced with certain improved types of sash, such as, plastic sash.

It has been further shown how the combined coaction with an interlocking trim strip facilitates remodeling an existing window construction due to the fact that the uniform appearance can be provided in the window construction with a minimum amount of effort and cost.

While a full and complete disclosure of the invention has been made in accordance with the patent statutes, it is not intended that the invention be so limited; thus, where the term plastics has been used, it is to be understood that any equivalent material can be supplied without changing the result obtained and, similarly, different specific outlined configurations herein described in the preferred embodiments disclosed can likewise be altered without change in the result. Similarly, use on casementtype windows or use in connection with hinged, swinging or sliding door frames is also contemplatable.

It accordingly follows that other modifications of the invention may be resorted to without departing from the spirit hereof or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a frame having vertical and horizontal Walls defining an opening therein; each said wall having parallel inner and outer surfaces interconnected by a transversely extending jamb surface; a thin flat liner strip defining on one planar face thereof parallel guide tracks for sash elements and having the opposed planar face thereof received against said jamb surface in substantially coplanar relationship therewith; a flange defined by one longitudinal edge of said liner and extend ing at substantially right angles thereto; said flange defining a stop for one said guide track adjacent the outer surface of said wall; said remaining longitudinal edge of said liner having an interlocking portion disposed outwardly of said inner surface of said wall; a thin elongate trim strip defined by leg portions that are disposed at substantially right angles to each other and respectively engage said liner and inner surface; one said leg portion having one longitudinal edge thereof overlying said jamb surface and releasably interlocked with said interlocking portion to define a stop for another said guide track; and means for releasably securing the other said leg portion of said trim strip in coplanar relationship with said inner surface while retaining the same against shifting transversely of said inner surface of said wall.

2. In combination with a frame having vertical and horizontal walls defining an opening therein; each said wall having parallel inner and outer surfaces interconnected by a transversely extending jamb surface; a thin flat liner strip defining on one planar face thereof parallel guide tracks for sash elements and having the opposed planar face thereof received against said jamb surface in substantially coplanar relationship therewith; a flange defined by one longitudinal edge of said liner and e:'- tending at substantially right angles thereto; said flange defining a stop for one said side guide track adjacent the outer surface of said wall; said remaining longitudinal edge of said liner having an interlocking portion disposed outwardly of said inner surface of said wall; a thin elongate trim strip defined by leg portions that are disposed at substantially right angles to each other and respectively engage said liner and inner surface; one said leg portion having one longitudinal edge thereof overlying said jamb surface and releasably interlocked with said interlocking portion to define a stop for another said guide track.

3. In combination with a frame having vertical and horizontal walls defining an opening therein; each said wall having parallel inner and outer surfaces interconnected by a transversely extending jamb surface; a thin, flat liner strip defining on one planar face thereof parallel guide tracks for sash elements and having the opposed planar face thereof received against said jamb surface in substantially coplanar relationship therewith; a flange defined by one longitudinal edge of said liner and extending at substantially right angles thereto; said flange defining a stop for one said guide track adjacent the outer surface of said wall; said remaining longitudinal edge of said liner having an interlocking portion disposed outwardly of said inner surface of said wall; a thin elongate trim strip defined by leg portions that are disposed at substantially right angles to each other and respectively engage said liner and inner surface; one said leg portion having one longitudinal edge thereof overlying said jamb surface and releasably interlocked with said interlocking portion to define a stop for another said guide track; and means for releasably securing the other said leg portion of said trim strip in coplanar relationship with said inner surface while retaining the same against shifting transversely of said inner surface of said wall; said flange receiving an inwardly projecting resilient rib; said rib in its normal condition overlying the one said guide track adjacent the outer surface of said frame whereby said rib will be urged against a sash received in the said one guide track.

4. The device of claim 1 further characterized by the fact that said means include a rib projecting from said inner surface and being received in a. complemental groove provided on one planar face of said trim strip.

5. The device of claim 1 further characterized by the presence of weather-stripping means carried by said liner strip in the said one guide track thereof.

6. The device of claim 1 further characterized by the fact that said releasable interlock between said liner and said trim strip includes a rib received in a groove; said rib having a restricted opening whereby said rib is frictionally engaged therein; said interlock retaining said liner against shifting transversely of said jamb surface.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 908,858 Goddard Jan. 5, 1909 1,596,950 Semonin Aug. 24, 1926 1,656,405 Vincent Jan. 17, 1928 1,812,840 Michaels June 30, 1931 2,538,749 Kerbaugh Jan. 23, 1951 2,639,472 Jonsson May 26, 1953 2,753,602 Ringle July 10, 1956 2,753,603 Strawther July 10, 1956 

